HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-Parks-2015-12-08
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CITY OF ITHACA PARKS COMMISSION
Tuesday, December 8, 2015, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, City of Ithaca
MINUTES
Present:
Commissioners:
Margart Hobbie
Dan Krall
Ellen Leventry
Roberta Moudry
Larry Fabbroni
Stephan Schmidt
Staff:
Megan Wilson, City Planner
Jeanne Grace, City Forester
Teagen Barresi, Parks & Forestry Intern
Bill Goldsmith, BPW liaison
Josephine Martell, Common Council liaison
MINUTES
November minutes will be reviewed at the January meeting.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
Dan – Conley Park
Bill – Falls Park
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Update on Park Sign Inventory (Dan Krall & Margaret Hobbie)
Dan reviewed the reasons the Commission embarked on an inventory. Signage is not
consistent, and the number and types of signs vary from park to park.
Jeanne noted that the City Charter mandates a sign identifying each park.
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Dan noted that signs likely appear in response to requests or problems in specific
areas, adding to the inconsistency.
A visual inventory document was distributed that illustrates signs and their locations.
There are many different signs in terms of type, formatting, and content. The “no
smoking” signs are everywhere; for example, there are many in Dewitt Park.
Some signs are metal while others are made of wood. Baker Park has an attractive
sign, but it is old and the letters are peeling. Some signs that are attached to the same
pole create confusing combinations of directives.
The main issue is consistency and location. Where do you put a sign when nearly
every park has multiple entrances – at the entrances or at a central location?
What kind of information should be on the sign? The Commission does not want it to
be too elaborate or something that people might want to take. T hey should be easy to
replace.
Margaret noted that there is some necessary information that should be on the sign,
but a goal is lessening visual clutter. It was proposed that signs use icons.
Jeanne noted that the City Code requires the name of park and hours of operation.
When seeking funding, it is important to note that the City is not meeting the
requirements of the Code. All parks are now open 5am to 10pm.
Bill asked what is the point of a park closing, whether at 10pm or at dusk? What does
it mean if a park closes? Dan stated that it may be for safety or to give police the
possibility of asking people not to sleep, etc. in the park late at night.
Larry noted that the policy of closing a park at dusk could exist and be enforced in a
relaxed way. The policy would be in place to keep people from i llicit or inappropriate
behavior in the parks.
Ellen and Roberta agreed that changing 5am to 10pm to “dawn to dusk” makes more
sense and would help with enforcement. Megan noted that this would be another
item that the Commission might want to advocate for.
In addition to the park name and hours of operation, park signs should also have an
icon or image that identifies the property as a City park. The City seal or a unique
park logo were suggested. It was also suggested that the City website be noted at the
bottom. Dan suggested a two‐sided sign that could be viewed from both sides.
Dan recommended that to begin, the Commission focuses on one sign for one park.
Stephan noted that most of his neighbors don’t know the names of the City parks.
Does it matter that we have signs?
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Larry noted that it is important to have the signs to identify them as a system of open
spaces in an increasingly dense city.
Ellen noted that it should be a brand, and the Commission needs to create a uniform
logo and sign.
Jeanne stated that Baker Park honors the City’s first forester. Larry added that there
could be a second level of signage to provide this and other information.
There will be a City cemetery sign soon, and Ellen explained that the sign has to have
a historic quality in order to be compatible with an historic nomination.
Jeanne suggests that the Commission send a summary to BPW that states that the City
is not in compliance with code, that there is visual clutter, and that we need to move
to some action to create uniform signage with a parks logo. Jeanne refers to the NYC
parks logo which is simple and recognizable.
Megan suggested a logo competition and a small amount of money ($100‐200) to
support a competition for a city parks logo.
Bill believed that BPW would be happy to hear that this project is underway.
Megan offered to draft a call for logo designs to consider at the January meeting.
Jeanne asked that someone from Parks Commisison come to BPW and explain the
concern. Dan and Margaret offered to do so.
Dan asked what should be on a sign – a City seal and ownership? He noted that the
Children’s Garden is working on a sign. Bill suggested that they hold off while this
issues is being resolved.
Ellen suggested that, like Cornell, park signs could have a logo and wording that notes
ownership of the park by City.
Dan asked about park names. Megan has started a project to clarify park boundaries
and names. Megan will be working on this in the next few months. An example is Fair
Street Park. Larry also asked about process for park name changes.
Conley Park
Dan noted that the Permaculture Park people had several phases, and he noticed that
now there are raised beds. There were several phases but the project team did not
return to have subsequent phases approved. Megan will check minutes and will scan
plans and send them out to everyone. Ellen remembered that how their project
proceeded would depend on how well they maintained current work. Bill noted that
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this group is actually active in its working and maintaining, but they do need to check
in with the Commission.
Ithaca Falls Park and Natural Area
Bill noted that there was some commentary online from some people are concerned
about design.
This has recently come to Common Council. Josephine stated that the originally
proposed concrete has been changed to a gravel/stone with a sealed surface. It is
more natural than concrete but still wheelchair accessible. The fence will now be
black with larger openings to be less visible. The Natural Areas Commission also
asked that the jersey barriers be removed and that the gate be only a chain. There are
3‐4 benches in the park, 2 of them in front of the fence. Some trees will be removed ‐
one large tree and a few small trees. The large sycamores will remain.
Dan stated that this is an old industrial site, and he thinks i t is strange that the Natural
Areas Commission has a lot of say. He does not feel it should be seen as a natural area.
Josephine noted that it would have been easier if the area was treated as a park and
not as a natural area.
Bill stated that this has been a big issue for BPW. The City wants to advocate use, but
it is complicated. If the area is improved, we are making it safer. We are not
encouraging people to swim there. There is a lot of worry about liability.
Megan noted that many of the concerns raised by the Parks Commission in its earlier
review of the design were addressed in changes made.
Larry stated that if there are no basic uniform park design standards in the city, there
is no starting point for any designer, and there will be an overly rigorous design
review. What appears on the internet is not always informed.
Josephine added that this project did not go through presentation and notification
processes when it should have, and modifications did not get publicized.
Update on Geese Working Group (Josephine Martell)
The Geese Working Group has formed a stakeholder group to be involved. The group
includes Lansing parks, the Lab of Ornithology, Cornell, Ithaca College, the Dept. of
Nat Resources, HIS, and DEC from Region 7 and 8.
The working group is looking at a two‐year pilot program that includes egg oiling,
hazing with border collies, egg oiling, and a “no feeding” ordinance. It takes legwork
and volunteers, and we need to see who we can partner with. Ellen asked if students
can get credit for participation. Josephine responded that Cornell students cannot
(because that would need some special approval), but it might be possible for
students at IC. Bill asked if Leonardo Vargas at the Cornell Public Service Center might
be able to help. It could be a project but not a science credit.
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Membership and 2016 Chair & Vice‐Chair
Larry announced is moving to Pittsburgh and will be resigning his seat on the
Commission. He noted that he has really enjoyed his time on the Commission.
Dan moved that the Parks Commission formally thanks Larry Fabbroni for his years
of service to the City and the Commission. The motion was seconded by Roberta and
approved unanimously by the Commission.
Ellen stated that it is time to elect a chair and vice‐chair for 2016. She is willing to
continue serving, if others are not interested. On a motion by Dan, seconded by
Margaret, the Parks Commission unanimously elected Ellen Leventry as the chair for
2016. Dan and Margaret agreed to act as co‐vice‐chairs.
Several Commission members expressed a need for new members, particularly with
Larry’s resignation. Megan suggested issuing a press release about the opportunity
to get a broader group of potential members. Several Commissioners also noted that
the current meeting time is inconvenient. Evening meetings may be better, but it
might limit staff attendance.